James (Jim) H. Schaaf, 84, of Overland Park, KS died peacefully on July 13, 2022, at a Kansas City hospice after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease.  Born May 22, 1938, in Erie, Pennsylvania, he was the son of the late Marion Etwein. 

Jim is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Julia Schaaf; along with two children; Jill Schaaf of Chicago, IL and James Schaaf of Overland Park, KS;  and two grandchildren, Christopher Schaaf and Graham Schaaf.  Jim was a loving father, husband, grandfather and friend to everyone.  

Jim graduated from Cathedral Prep High School, Class of 1955.  He lettered in several sports including track, baseball and football.  He was selected to the Erie Times-News All-Time City team and All-Time County team.  In addition, he was inducted into the Cathedral Prep Athletic Hall of Fame in 2003. 

Following graduation, Jim received a football scholarship to the University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN where he started at left guard 1957-1958. The 1957 7-0 upset of Oklahoma to end the Sooners’ 47-game winning streak was a playing career highlight.   He graduated with a BA in Economics, Class of 1959. 

Jim’s passion for sports lead him to make them a part of his professional life.  From 1961-1966 he worked with the Kansas City Athletics of Major League Baseball.  In 1966, he returned to his true passion, football, by joining the Kansas City Chiefs where he enjoyed a 23 year career that included the Chiefs’ first Super Bowl win on January 11, 1970.  In 1989 he founded Jim Schaaf & Associates, a sports insurance brokerage firm, where he worked unti 2016. 

A special thank you to the people at Care Haven Homes in Prairie Village, KS for their loving care and support during his fight with Alzheimer’s Disease. 

Funeral services will be held 2:00 PM,  Friday, July 22, 2022 at Curé of Ars Church on 9405 Mission Road, Leawood, KS.In lieu of flowers, those that wish to remember Jim in a special way may make memorials to the Alzheimer’s Association, (www.alz.org), or the charity of their choice.